Bowling ball push device

ABSTRACT

A device for pushing a bowling ball with finger holes. The device includes a pole with a grip end and an opposite distal end. A push direction is defined from the grip end to the distal end and a withdrawal direction is defined from the distal end to the grip end. A plurality of fingers is configured to be received within the finger holes of the bowling ball, each having a base end and an opposite tip end. A pole coupler couples the fingers to the distal end of the pole such that when the fingers are received in finger holes, each finger is translationally movable relative to the finger holes only in the withdrawal direction. The device is configured to push the bowling ball by positioning the fingers into the finger holes, pushing the pole in the push direction, and retracting the pole in the withdrawal direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/490,671, filed Apr. 27, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to devices for pushing a bowling ball, and more particularly to devices that engage one or more holes for pushing a bowling ball.

BACKGROUND

The Background and Summary are provided to introduce a foundation and selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The Background and Summary are not intended to identify key or essential features of the potentially claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the potentially claimed subject matter.

Bowling is a sport and leisure activity in which a player rolls or throws a bowling ball down a lane in an attempt to knock over an arrangement of bowling pins. There are several variations of bowling pin arrangements commonly used in the game, including 10-pin, 9-pin, candlepin, duckpin, and 5-pin bowling. In its various forms, millions of participants enjoy the sport in the United States and around the world.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure generally relates to a device for pushing a bowling ball with finger holes. The device includes a pole having a grip end and a distal end that is opposite the grip end. A push direction is defined from the grip end to the distal end and a withdrawal direction is defined from the distal end to the grip end. The grip end is configured to be held by a user. A plurality of fingers is configured to be received within the finger holes of the bowling ball, where each of the plurality of fingers has a base end and a tip end that is opposite the base end. A pole coupler couples the base end of the plurality of fingers to the distal end of the pole such that when the plurality of fingers are received in finger holes, the plurality of fingers is translationally movable relative to the finger holes only in the withdrawal direction. The device is configured to push the bowling ball by positioning the plurality of fingers into the finger holes with the tip end first, pushing the pole in the push direction, and retracting the pole from the bowling ball in the withdrawal direction.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure generally relates to a device for pushing a bowling ball with finger holes. The device includes a pole that extends linearly from a grip end to a distal end that is opposite the grip end, where a push direction is defined from the grip end to the distal end and a withdrawal direction is defined from the distal end to the grip end. The grip end includes a textured surface, and the textured surface is configured to be gripped by a user. Two fingers are configured to be received within the finger holes of the bowling ball, where each of the two fingers has a base end and a tip end that is opposite the base end. A pole coupler couples the base end of each of the two fingers to the distal end of the pole such that when the two fingers are received in finger holes, the two fingers are relatively fixed with the bowling ball other than in the withdrawal direction. A pole axis is defined between the grip end and the distal end, where a finger axis is defined between the base end and the tip end of each of the two fingers, and where the pole axis and each finger axis of the two fingers are within a common plane. The two fingers each include a textured surface configured to increase friction between the two fingers and the finger holes to resist rotation therebetween and to resist retracting the pole from the bowling ball in the withdrawal direction. The device is configured to push the bowling ball by positioning the two fingers into the finger holes with the tip end first, pushing the pole in the push direction, and retracting the pole from the bowling ball in the withdrawal direction.

Various other features, objects and advantages of the disclosure will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the disclosure. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and like components. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of a device similar to that shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary device of the present disclosure in use;

FIGS. 4A-4D depict multiple embodiments of tip ends in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5C depict top down views of various embodiments of the device according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5D depicts another embodiment of tip ends in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments of the present application, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice or make and use the same. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the potential claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Through years of experience participating in bowling, the present inventor has recognized challenges that limit participation in the sport. In particular, the necessity to hold, swing, and release the heavy bowling ball towards the bowling pins can be overly burdensome or often entirely prohibitive for prospective or current participants that are aging, that have developed or are recovering from injuries, or that have physical handicaps. Through testing and experimentation, the present inventor has developed the presently disclosed devices and systems to enable a wider audience to enjoy the sport of bowling, whether through necessity, or as an alternative format for playing the game.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present device 1 (with a similar device shown in use at a bowling alley in FIG. 3). The device 1 includes a pole 10 having a grip end 20 that is opposite a distal end 30, which defines a pole axis PA therebetween. Likewise, a push direction P is defined from the grip end 20 to the distal end 30 and a withdrawal direction W is defined from the distal end 30 to the grip end 20. The user 2 holds the device 1 at a grip end 20 and the distal end 30 engages with the bowling ball 4 within one of the finger holes 5 defined therein. Specifically, the device 1 includes fingers 50 that are configured to be at least partially received in one or more of the finger holes 5 in the ball 4. The fingers 50 extend from base ends 52 to tip ends 54. Typically, these finger holes 5 include both finger and thumb holes. The second hand of the user 2 may also be used to provide additional support or control of the pole 10, as shown in FIG. 3. In certain embodiments, an additional lip 58 is incorporated within the fingers 50 to transfer a portion of the force from the device 1 to the bowling ball 4 to the outer surface of the ball 4 surrounding the finger holes 5 (see FIG. 4D).

In certain embodiments, a pole coupler 40 couples the base end 52 of each of the fingers 50 to the distal end 30 of the pole 10. It should be noted that the fingers 50 need not be separate and distinct from the pole 10, which is discussed further below. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the pole coupler 40 couples two individual fingers 51 a and 51 b to the pole 10.

In practice, the user 2 positions the one or more fingers 50 into the finger holes 5 of the ball. The user 2 then approaches the start of the lane 6 and pushes the pole 10 in the push direction P, thereby also pushing the ball 4, towards the pins 7 (as shown in FIG. 3). After the user 2 pushes the pole 10 forward towards the pins 7, the user 2 then stops, causing the ball 4 to continue to move forward towards the pins 7 while the user 2 and device 1 stay in place. Whether simply stopping or intentionally retracting the pole 10 from the ball 4, the effect is that the device 1 moves in the withdrawal direction W relative to the ball 4. Using the presently disclosed device 1 in this manner, the user 2 is physically enabled to participate in any of the conventionally-known bowling games in which a ball 4 is rolled or thrown to knock over pins 7. In contrast to traditional methods, the user 2 is not required to support, swing, or throw the weight of the ball 4.

Returning to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the device 1 is generally linear and extends from a grip end 20 to a distal end 30. The present embodiment further includes a handle 22 and a strap 24 at the distal end of the pole 10. The handle 22 is optionally included for the comfort and improved grip by the user 2. As shown, the strap may be wrapped around the user's wrist during use so that the device 1 is not accidently pulled out of the user's hand when attempting to withdraw the device 1 to release the ball 4.

In certain embodiments, such as is shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 30 of the pole 10 has a threaded opening 32 for coupling the pole coupler 40 to the pole 10. The pole coupler 40 comprises a single stem 42 having threads 43 configured to be received into the threaded opening 32 of the distal end 30 of the pole 10. The pole coupler 40 also has two finger stems 44 oriented in an opposing direction to the single stem 42. As shown, the single stem 42 and the finger stems 44 are substantially parallel and all in the same plane, though other embodiments are anticipated by the present disclosure. Furthermore, other embodiments may include differing numbers of finger stems 44, including embodiments having one, and other embodiments having three finger stems 44 such that the device 1 can engage all three finger holes 5 in a conventional ball 4 (for example, also including the thumb hole shown in FIG. 3). The finger stems 44 in the present embodiment also have threads 45 such that corresponding threaded openings 57 in the fingers 50 may be threaded onto the finger stems 44. These fingers 50 are configured to fit within the finger and/or thumb openings of the ball 4 (finger holes 5), while also being releasable such that the fingers 50 easily exit the finger holes 5 when the device 1 is withdrawn in the withdrawal direction W.

FIG. 2 particularly shows one embodiment in which the pole coupler 40 is effectively a U-bolt 60 that provides the finger stems 44 previously discussed, which is welded to threaded stock serving as the single stem 42. In the embodiment shown, a coupler 61 having threads 62 on the inside and threads 64 on the outside is threadedly coupled to the threads 45 on the finger stems 44, whereby the fingers 50 are then threaded onto the threads 64 of the coupler 61. This permits each of the individual fingers 51 a and 52 b to be independently threaded onto the finger stems 44. In this manner, the first individual finger 51 a extends away from the distal end 30 of the pole 10 by a first distance D1 (see FIG. 1) and the second individual finger 51 b extends away from the distal end 30 of the pole 10 by a second distance D2, which need not be the same as the first distance D1. A similar coupler 61 may also be provided on the single stem 42 to control the distance between the distal end 30 of the pole 10 and the finger stems 44.

In the present embodiment, the threads 62 are fine and the threads 64 are coarse, corresponding to whether the threads are configured to engage metal, or another material, such as wood, fiberglass, plastic, or carbon composite materials. It should be recognized that adjusting the distances (D1 or D2) between the fingers 50 and the pole coupler 40 or distal end 30 of the pole 10 is also possible without the use of couplers 61, whereby the threads 43 and threads 45 of the single stem 42 and finger stems 44 may instead be already optimized for threadingly receiving the material directly. It should further be recognized that the present disclosure also anticipates pole couplers 40 that are not comprised of a U-bolt welded to threaded stock, which may be otherwise formed or manufactured through other techniques known in the art. Moreover, further embodiments incorporate pole couplers 40 that do not threadedly engage the pole 10 and/or the fingers 50, or do not include multiple finger stems 44, as discussed below.

Returning to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the pole coupler 40 further includes a hex head 66 for tightening, loosening, or otherwise adjusting the position of the pole coupler 40 relative to the pole 10 and/or fingers 50 relative to the pole coupler 40. In contrast to the couplers 61 and hex heads 66 shown with the pole coupler 40 of FIG. 2, the embodiments of FIGS. 4A-4D incorporate pole couplers 40 that are either not visible when the device 1 is fully assembled, or that do not incorporate couplers 61 at all. These embodiments demonstrate some of the other techniques known in the art that could be employed for coupling the fingers 50 to the pole 10. For example, coupling may be accomplished through a glue or epoxy, a press fit arrangements, integral formation during manufacturing, or the like.

Moreover, FIGS. 4A and 4B show alternate embodiments of the fingers 50 for use with the presently disclosed device 1. Specifically, the embodiments of FIGS. 4A and 4B have only a single finger 50, which would correspond to use with a single finger hole 5 in the ball 4. When only a single finger 50 is used, some embodiments may nonetheless include a threaded pole coupler 40. This facilitates simple modification or replacement of fingers 50 over time. In other embodiments, a rubberized coating, textured tape, or other texturizer serves as the pole coupler 40 and finger 50 for a simplified design.

Further embodiments couple the pole 10 and the finger 50 by other mechanisms. Certain embodiments incorporate a pole coupler 40 providing a snap-fit between the distal end 30 of the pole 10 and the finger 50 (FIG. 4D), an adhesive coupling therebetween, or other coupling methods known in the art.

In further embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4B, the pole coupler 40 is an interface between the distal end 30 of the pole 10 and the finger 50, which in this case is an elastomeric material configured to receive and retain a nipple 41 of the distal end 20 therein. In this regard, the pole coupler 40 may further incorporate the use of an epoxy to provide further stability and strength for the interface of the pole 10 and the finger 50 so as to prevent the finger 50 from falling off the pole 10 in use.

In each case, the finger 50 has an outer surface 56 that engages with the finger or hole 5 of the ball 4. In the embodiment shown, the outer surface 56 has been rubberized to provide additional friction as compared to the bare pole 10. The present inventor has identified that by providing friction on the outer surface 56 on the finger 50, the user 2 is able to provide increased spin on the ball 4 by providing spin to the pole 10 prior to the release of the ball 4 from the device 1. As shown in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the present inventor has further identified that by providing at least two fingers 50 coupled to the pole 10, further spin may be provided to the ball 4. In this configuration, the transfer of rotation from the pole 10 to the ball 4 is not reliant only upon the friction between the finger 50 and the finger hole 5, but is inherently provided by rotating the non-coaxial fingers 50 connected via the pole coupler 40 to the pole 10.

In certain embodiments, the two finger stems 44 are painted different colors or otherwise marked to be distinguishable from the other. This enables the user 2 to identify the orientation of the device 1 relative to the ball 4, for instance, that a red finger stem 44 should start on the left side of the ball 4 and a black finger stem 44 on the right. As such, if there are any symmetries or other differences between the respective fingers 50 that impact performance (whether intentional or unintentional), the user 2 can consistently orient the device 1 for consistent resulting performance. It should further be recognized that the different colors or distinctions may alternatively or additionally be on the pole 10 and/or the fingers 50 themselves to provide the same effect.

FIGS. 4A and 4D further depict embodiments of fingers 50 that are generally cylindrical in shape, whereby the fingers 50 have relatively consistent cross-sectional diameters between the base diameter 53 at the base end 52 and the tip diameter 55 at the tip end 54. In contrast, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C resemble conically-shaped fingers 50, whereby the cross-sectional diameter of the fingers 50 decrease from the base ends 52 to the tip ends 54.

The present inventor has identified that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C enable the user to provide spin and push to the ball 4 as desired, but are further advantageous in that the fingers 50 (however many) more easily exit the finger holes 5 of the ball 4 upon release. Specifically, the present inventor has identified that there is less “sticking” between the fingers 50 and the ball 4, providing that less of the forward force in the push direction P transferred from the pole 10 to the ball 4 is lost when the pole 10 is retracted in the withdrawal direction W. This results in greater force and velocity of the ball 4 as it proceeds down the lane 6. The conical shapes of these fingers 50 also make the initial insertion of the fingers 50 into the ball 4 easier, requiring less accuracy during the initial alignment to the finger holes 5.

It should be recognized that other shapes of fingers 50 are also anticipated by the present disclosure. Furthermore, in certain embodiments the fingers 50 are sized to be larger or smaller diameters.

As previously discussed, some embodiment of fingers 50 are substantially comprised of a wood material with the outer surface 56 covered with or dipped into a rubberizing or other texture-providing material. In other embodiments, the fingers 50 are comprised substantially of rubber or a polymer material and having threaded openings 57, as opposed to serving as a treatment over wood or another base materials. In certain embodiments, these threaded openings 57 are provided as metal inserts. These threaded openings 57, whether integral in the material of the fingers 50 or as inserts, are configured for receiving and engaging the threads 45 of the pole coupler 40, as the case may be.

In some embodiments, the pole 10 does not include a handle 22 or a strap 24 on top. Instead, certain embodiments provide that the grip end 20 of the pole 10 is covered or dipped in rubber or another texturing material to create a textured surface 23, improving grip on the pole 10 by the user 2. Similarly, the grip end 20 of the pole 10 may be scored or otherwise configured to increase the friction (i.e., grip) generally, without requiring additional materials or a handle 22.

As previously discussed, the pole 10 can be described as having a pole axis PA and the fingers 50 (whether one or more) each having a distinct finger axis FA. The pole axis PA is defined between the grip 20 and the distal end 30 of the pole 10, which in certain embodiments runs through the center of the pole 10 when the pole 10 is substantially linear. Likewise, the finger axis FA is defined between the base end 52 and the tip end 54 of each of the fingers 50. In certain embodiments, one or more of the fingers 50 has a finger axis FA that is parallel to the pole axis PA. For example, FIG.1 depicts an embodiment having a first individual finger 51 a and a second individual finger 51 b each having a finger axis FA, whereby each finger axis FA is parallel to the other, and also parallel to the pole axis PA. FIG. 4A depicts a device 1 having a single finger 50, whereby the finger 50 has a finger axis FA that is parallel to the pole axis PA of the pole 10. In fact, the finger axis FA and pole axis PA are coaxial in this embodiment. In certain embodiments having multiple fingers 50, this is true for one of the fingers 50, but not the others.

However, it should be further recognized that in other embodiments, one or more finger axis FA among the fingers 50 may also be non-parallel to the pole axis PA. The present inventor has identified that the offset between the pole axis PA and the finger axis FA is advantageous in certain embodiments for generating spin on the ball 4, modifying the alignment between the fingers 50 and the finger holes 5 in the ball 4 (assisting in insertion and/or retraction therefrom), and/or for improving alignment between the device 1 and a wide variety of balls 4, which may vary in placement of the location of finger holes 5 thereon. In certain embodiments, the pole axis PA is equidistant to each of the finger axis FA for the fingers 50. It should further be noted that the first individual finger 51 a and the second individual finger 51 b need not be identical, varying in size, shape, or placement relative to the pole 10. However, these are requirements of the presently disclosed devices 1.

For example, FIGS. 5A-5C depict a top down view showing the pole 10 with the first individual finger 51 a and second individual finger 51 b. The embodiment of FIG. 5A depicts each finger axis FA in alignment with the pole axis PA, which in certain embodiments are all parallel and all within the same plane. In contrast, FIG. 5B depicts the finger axis FA of the first individual finger 51 a being out of alignment with the pole axis PA and the finger axis FA of the second individual finger 51 b, the latter two being parallel to each other. Likewise, FIG. 5C depicts a device 1 wherein the pole 10 has a pole axis PA that is out of alignment with the finger axis FA of both the first individual finger 51 a and the second individual finger 51 b.

In certain embodiments, each finger axis FA may nonetheless be parallel to the other or others, and/or to the pole axis PA, for instance, extending perpendicularly into the page. However, FIG. 5D depicts an alternative embodiment wherein the pole axis PA of the pole 10 is parallel to the finger axis FA of the first individual finger 51 a and/or the second individual finger 51 b in one plane, but wherein one or more of the pole axis PA, the finger axis FA of the first individual finger 51 a, and/or the second individual finger 51 b are non-parallel to the others in at least another plane (here, a plane other than the surface of the page).

The present inventor has identified that the embodiments presently disclosed provide superior performance over other ball pushing devices known in the art. In particular, the device 1 provides a high degree of control over the positioning of the ball 4 as it is pushed down the lane 6, including the orientation of the finger holes 5, direction of force transmitted from the pole 10 to the ball 4, and the ability to produce spin on the ball 4 with great control. While the presently disclosed device 1 empowers some users 2 to bowl when they would not otherwise be able to, it also provides an alternative method for anyone to enjoy playing the game.

It should also be recognized that the presently disclosed device may be used for activities other than bowling in the context of a traditional bowling lane 6. For example, outdoor games involving rolling or pushing a ball 4 or other object may also be played using the presently disclosed device 1. Essentially, the only requirement is that the ball 4 or other object have at least one hole or opening, and that the fingers 50 of the presently disclosed device 1 are configured accordingly to engage with the at least one finger hole 5 (i.e., any opening therein).

In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different assemblies described herein may be used alone or in combination with other devices. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of any appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for pushing a bowling ball having finger holes, the device comprising: a pole having a grip end and a distal end that is opposite the grip end, wherein a push direction is defined from the grip end to the distal end and a withdrawal direction is defined from the distal end to the grip end, and wherein the grip end is configured to be held by a user; a plurality of fingers configured to be received within the finger holes of the bowling ball, wherein each of the plurality of fingers has a base end and a tip end that is opposite the base end; and a pole coupler that couples the base end of the plurality of fingers to the distal end of the pole such that when the plurality of fingers are received in finger holes, the plurality of fingers is translationally movable relative to the finger holes only in the withdrawal direction; wherein the device is configured to push the bowling ball by positioning the plurality of fingers into the finger holes with the tip end first, pushing the pole in the push direction, and retracting the pole from the bowling ball in the withdrawal direction.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein a pole axis is defined between the grip end and the distal end, wherein a finger axis is defined between the base end and the tip end of each of the plurality of fingers, and wherein the finger axis of at least one of the plurality of fingers is parallel to the pole axis.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein a pole axis is defined between the grip end and the distal end, wherein a finger axis is defined between the base end and the tip end of each of the plurality of fingers, wherein the finger axis of at least one of the plurality of fingers is coaxial with the pole axis.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fingers includes at least two individual fingers.
 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein a finger axis is defined between the base end and the tip end of each of the plurality of fingers, and wherein each finger axis is parallel within the plurality of fingers.
 6. The device according to claim 4, wherein a pole axis is defined between the grip end and the distal end, wherein a finger axis is defined between the base end and the tip end of each of the plurality of fingers, and wherein the pole axis and each finger axis within the plurality of fingers are within a common plane.
 7. The device according to claim 4, wherein a pole axis is defined between the grip end and the distal end, wherein each of the at least two individual fingers defines a finger axis between the base end and the tip end, and wherein the pole axis is equidistant to the finger axis of each of the at least two individual fingers.
 8. The device according to claim 4, wherein the at least two individual fingers include a first finger and a second finger that are non-identical.
 9. The device according to claim 4, wherein the at least two individual fingers include a first finger and a second finger that extend away from the distal end of the pole by a first distance and a second distance, respectively, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fingers each have a base end and a tip end that is opposite the base end, each being receivable within the finger holes, wherein the base end is closer to the pole than the tip end is to the pole, and wherein at least one of the plurality of fingers has a tip diameter at the tip end that is less than a base diameter at the base end.
 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality of fingers is substantially conical from the base end to the tip end.
 12. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of fingers is substantially cylindrical.
 13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the grip end includes a textured surface to be held by the user.
 14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the grip end includes a strap configured to receive an arm of the user when the pole is held by the user.
 15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pole is substantially linear between the grip end and the base end.
 16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pole is comprised of wood.
 17. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fingers are threadedly engaged with the pole coupler such that the plurality of fingers are removable therefrom.
 18. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured such that in use the pole and the plurality of fingers are rotationally fixed relative to each other such that rotation of the pole causes like rotation of the plurality of fingers.
 19. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of fingers includes a textured surface configured to increase friction between the at least one of the plurality of fingers and the finger holes to resist rotation therebetween and to resist retracting the pole from the bowling ball in the withdrawal direction.
 20. A device for pushing a bowling ball having finger holes, the device comprising: a pole that extends linearly from a grip end to a distal end that is opposite the grip end, wherein a push direction is defined from the grip end to the distal end and a withdrawal direction is defined from the distal end to the grip end, wherein the grip end includes a textured surface, and wherein the textured surface is configured to be gripped by a user; two fingers configured to be received within the finger holes of the bowling ball, wherein each of the two fingers has a base end and a tip end that is opposite the base end; and a pole coupler that couples the base end of each of the two fingers to the distal end of the pole such that when the two fingers are received in finger holes, the two fingers are relatively fixed with the bowling ball other than in the withdrawal direction; wherein a pole axis is defined between the grip end and the distal end, wherein a finger axis is defined between the base end and the tip end of each of the two fingers, and wherein the pole axis and each finger axis of the two fingers are within a common plane; wherein the two fingers each include a textured surface configured to increase friction between the two fingers and the finger holes to resist rotation therebetween and to resist retracting the pole from the bowling ball in the withdrawal direction; wherein the device is configured to push the bowling ball by positioning the two fingers into the finger holes with the tip end first, pushing the pole in the push direction, and retracting the pole from the bowling ball in the withdrawal direction. 